Montreal Spicy Garlic Shrimp: A Flavorful Feast

The scent of Montreal steak spice always takes me back to summer evenings grilling with my family. My dad, a master of the barbecue, would generously season everything with it – burgers, chicken, and especially shrimp. He always said it was his secret weapon. When I stumbled upon this recipe that combines Montreal spice with garlic and lemon for shrimp, it felt like a delicious reunion of flavors from my childhood, a chance to recreate those cherished summer meals with a spicy, zesty twist.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Dietary Type: Pescatarian

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 24 large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on
• 2 teaspoons McCormick’s Montreal Steak Seasoning
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Equipment Needed

• Large Skillet

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the oil for optimal searing.
2. Add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the hot skillet. Once the oil is shimmering, add the 4 cloves of crushed garlic and the ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should sizzle gently and become fragrant in about 30 seconds.
3. Add the 24 large shrimp (peeled and deveined, with tails left on) to the skillet. Ensure the shrimp are in a single layer; if necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
4. Season the shrimp with 2 teaspoons of Montreal Steak Seasoning. Be generous, but taste as you go along if you’re sensitive to salt.
5. Cook the shrimp for approximately 3 minutes, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as this will make them rubbery. They should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Toss the cooked shrimp with the zest and juice of 1 lemon, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Make sure every shrimp is coated in the lemony-herb mixture.
7. Serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, Montreal steak seasoning, and lemon juice for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the shrimp more deeply.
• If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be substituted, but use half the amount (1 tablespoon). Fresh parsley adds a brighter, fresher flavor.
• Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your liking. For a milder dish, reduce the amount or omit it entirely. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the shrimp. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and steam the shrimp instead of searing them. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
• To test for doneness, insert a knife into the thickest part of a shrimp. If it’s opaque and the juices run clear, it’s done.
• If you find the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a small pat of butter to the skillet after removing it from the heat. Swirl the butter until it melts and emulsifies with the lemon juice and olive oil.
• To elevate the presentation, garnish with lemon wedges and extra parsley.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Montreal Spicy Garlic Shrimp immediately while it’s hot and flavorful. It’s delicious on its own as an appetizer, or served over pasta, rice, or quinoa as a main course. You can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat, or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating, as this can make them rubbery. A splash of lemon juice can help to rehydrate the shrimp. Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the shrimp.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	72 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	44 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	4.9 g	7%
Saturated Fat	0.7 g	3%
Cholesterol	46.4 mg	15%
Sodium	209.7 mg	8%
Total Carbohydrate	2 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0.4 g	1%
Sugars	0.3 g	N/A
Protein	5.3 g	10%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicier Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Garlic Lovers: Increase the amount of garlic to 6 cloves for a more intense garlic flavor.
• Herby Twist: Substitute the parsley with other fresh herbs, such as cilantro, oregano, or thyme.
• Vegetable Boost: Sauté some chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, along with the garlic before adding the shrimp.
• Wine Addition: Deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine after cooking the garlic and red pepper flakes for a richer sauce.
• Seafood Medley: Add other types of seafood, such as scallops or mussels, to create a more elaborate seafood dish.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw them completely before cooking, and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Q: What if I don’t have Montreal steak seasoning?
A: If you don’t have Montreal steak seasoning, you can substitute it with a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried dill.

Q: How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
A: Keep a close eye on the garlic while it’s cooking, and stir it frequently. If it starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: It’s best to serve this dish immediately, but you can prepare the ingredients in advance. Chop the garlic, zest and juice the lemon, and chop the parsley ahead of time.

Q: What is the best way to serve this shrimp?
A: Serve it hot, either on its own as an appetizer or over pasta, rice, or quinoa as a main course. Garnish with lemon wedges and extra parsley.

Final Thoughts

This Montreal Spicy Garlic Shrimp recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors that’s both quick and easy to make. The combination of the savory Montreal steak spice, pungent garlic, zesty lemon, and fiery red pepper flakes creates a truly irresistible dish. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the explosion of flavors for yourself. Feel free to experiment with variations and substitutions to customize it to your liking. Serve it with a crisp white wine or a refreshing beer for a perfect meal. Don’t hesitate to share your feedback and let me know how it turns out! Bon appétit!